Oilers defenceman Ryan Whitney says while he doesn't understand being scratched, he's not looking for a trade

Edmonton Sun | Feb 13

With Ryan Smyth a healthy scratch and Darcy Hordichuk on his way to Oklahoma City, you can add Ryan Whitney’s name to the list of frustrated Edmonton Oilers veterans.

Whitney sat out his second game in a row, third in the last five games, and is especially disappointed that head coach Ralph Krueger couldn’t find room for him in the lineup after the Oilers were so badly outplayed in Columbus.

“I thought after last game I would be in, but I’m not,” he said. “I’m very frustrated. I want to play. We got outshot 40-14 and I’m not playing. That kind of shows where the thought on me is. I don’t really know what to say.”

Asked if he thinks his future in Edmonton is secure, Whitney said he doubts it.

“I would have to say right now it’s not looking that way. They’re paying me a lot of money and I’m not playing. I like it here a lot. I really like the guys and I like playing here but I don’t think they necessarily like me right now. I’m just frustrated.

“I’m not going to (ask for a trade). I think they’d be looking to do it more than I would. Why would they be paying me all this to not play? I believe I can help a lot of teams. I hope it’s here, I really like it here.”